How Do I Live Better Than I Look? | 12Stone Church

Well, happy 4th of July. Happy 250th Well, happy 4th of July. Happy 250th anniversary to the United States. And anniversary to the United States. And anniversary to the United States. And just so you know, I think that the I just so you know, I think that the I just so you know, I think that the I think July 4th is an underrated holiday. think July 4th is an underrated holiday. think July 4th is an underrated holiday. Yesterday, everyone did a great job, but Yesterday, everyone did a great job, but Yesterday, everyone did a great job, but it's that good every year. Okay, it's that good every year. Okay, it's that good every year. Okay, fireworks are that good every single fireworks are that good every single fireworks are that good every single time. It's my favorite holiday. Uh so I time. It's my favorite holiday. Uh so I time. It's my favorite holiday. Uh so I I want I want more Fourth of July fans I want I want more Fourth of July fans I want I want more Fourth of July fans in the room. Okay, by the way, my name in the room. Okay, by the way, my name in the room. Okay, by the way, my name is Dave and um I get to be one of the is Dave and um I get to be one of the is Dave and um I get to be one of the pastors here. I help lead our residency pastors here. I help lead our residency pastors here. I help lead our residency program and our internship programs here program and our internship programs here program and our internship programs here at the church. Um, and just like every at the church. Um, and just like every at the church. Um, and just like every good pastor, you know, I also get to do good pastor, you know, I also get to do good pastor, you know, I also get to do a couple other things in my life that a couple other things in my life that a couple other things in my life that I'm really proud of. I get to be I'm really proud of. I get to be I'm really proud of. I get to be Shelby's husband and I get to be Shelby's husband and I get to be Shelby's husband and I get to be Marshall's dad. And so I want to show Marshall's dad. And so I want to show Marshall's dad. And so I want to show you a picture of our family. This is us you a picture of our family. This is us you a picture of our family. This is us last summer at the beach. And I know last summer at the beach. And I know last summer at the beach. And I know what you're thinking when you look at what you're thinking when you look at what you're thinking when you look at the picture. It's okay. I know what the picture. It's okay. I know what the picture. It's okay. I know what you're thinking. We look good. you're thinking. We look good. you're thinking. We look good. Like, man, you look good. We do look Like, man, you look good. We do look Like, man, you look good. We do look good. Shop looks amazing. Marsh has like good. Shop looks amazing. Marsh has like good. Shop looks amazing. Marsh has like two little teeth poking out right there two little teeth poking out right there two little teeth poking out right there out of the bottom. I didn't do too bad out of the bottom. I didn't do too bad out of the bottom. I didn't do too bad either. And and I show you that because either. And and I show you that because either. And and I show you that because we're a perfect family and we have no we're a perfect family and we have no we're a perfect family and we have no problems and I just wanted to rub it in problems and I just wanted to rub it in problems and I just wanted to rub it in your face.

Come on. Anybody who has kids knows that Come on. Anybody who has kids knows that that picture is a lie. Okay? That that picture is a lie. Okay? That that picture is a lie. Okay? That picture does not in any way tell the picture does not in any way tell the picture does not in any way tell the story of what was happening 5 seconds story of what was happening 5 seconds story of what was happening 5 seconds before the picture was taken. Okay? before the picture was taken. Okay? before the picture was taken. Okay? There was an absolute meltdown taking There was an absolute meltdown taking There was an absolute meltdown taking place. I'm talking weeping and nashing place. I'm talking weeping and nashing place. I'm talking weeping and nashing of teeth. of teeth. of teeth. Now, luckily, I was able to pull myself Now, luckily, I was able to pull myself Now, luckily, I was able to pull myself together before they said cheese. Okay, together before they said cheese. Okay, together before they said cheese. Okay, it was fine. it was fine. it was fine. You ever had a moment like that? Can you You ever had a moment like that? Can you You ever had a moment like that? Can you relate? Having a moment where, you know, relate? Having a moment where, you know, relate? Having a moment where, you know, things look a little bit better on the things look a little bit better on the things look a little bit better on the outside than they really are on the outside than they really are on the outside than they really are on the inside? inside? inside? I mean, I don't have those moments, but I mean, I don't have those moments, but I mean, I don't have those moments, but maybe you do cuz we got, you know, a maybe you do cuz we got, you know, a maybe you do cuz we got, you know, a perfect family. Um, we had a moment like perfect family. Um, we had a moment like perfect family. Um, we had a moment like that at our Buford campus a couple that at our Buford campus a couple that at our Buford campus a couple months back. Does anybody remember the months back. Does anybody remember the months back. Does anybody remember the ice storms? Plural. Ice storms plural. ice storms? Plural. Ice storms plural. ice storms? Plural. Ice storms plural. There were multiple ice storms. Never There were multiple ice storms. Never There were multiple ice storms. Never thought I'd say that living in Georgia. thought I'd say that living in Georgia. thought I'd say that living in Georgia. Um, back to the ice storms. You know, it Um, back to the ice storms. You know, it Um, back to the ice storms. You know, it was that time that magical time when was that time that magical time when was that time that magical time when bread and batteries were currency and um bread and batteries were currency and um bread and batteries were currency and um and we were all I think we all kind of and we were all I think we all kind of and we were all I think we all kind of did the same thing, right? You stay did the same thing, right? You stay did the same thing, right? You stay inside that night. You know the ice inside that night. You know the ice inside that night. You know the ice storm is coming. you've never prayed storm is coming. you've never prayed storm is coming. you've never prayed more in your life for the electricity to more in your life for the electricity to more in your life for the electricity to stay on and then you're simultaneously stay on and then you're simultaneously stay on and then you're simultaneously praying that somehow God will make your praying that somehow God will make your praying that somehow God will make your electricity bill the same as what it electricity bill the same as what it electricity bill the same as what it usually is. You know, uh he didn't, by usually is. You know, uh he didn't, by usually is. You know, uh he didn't, by the way, he did not answer that prayer the way, he did not answer that prayer the way, he did not answer that prayer for me. Um we all kind of do the same for me. Um we all kind of do the same for me. Um we all kind of do the same thing after that night is done where we thing after that night is done where we thing after that night is done where we walk outside and you kind of survey the walk outside and you kind of survey the walk outside and you kind of survey the land. You take a look around. Maybe you land. You take a look around. Maybe you land. You take a look around. Maybe you walk out of your apartment or you walk walk out of your apartment or you walk walk out of your apartment or you walk out of your house and you're kind of out of your house and you're kind of out of your house and you're kind of looking to see like is anything visibly

looking to see like is anything visibly looking to see like is anything visibly broken? And when it's not, you let out a broken? And when it's not, you let out a broken? And when it's not, you let out a huge sigh of relief. It's like, "Oh, huge sigh of relief. It's like, "Oh, huge sigh of relief. It's like, "Oh, thank God. Okay, no trees are down. My thank God. Okay, no trees are down. My thank God. Okay, no trees are down. My car is intact. We're good." Well, Pastor car is intact. We're good." Well, Pastor car is intact. We're good." Well, Pastor Steve did the exact same thing at the Steve did the exact same thing at the Steve did the exact same thing at the Buford campus after the ice storm. He he Buford campus after the ice storm. He he Buford campus after the ice storm. He he took a lap, drove around the campus to took a lap, drove around the campus to took a lap, drove around the campus to see if everything was good, and there see if everything was good, and there see if everything was good, and there wasn't any visible damage. He took a big wasn't any visible damage. He took a big wasn't any visible damage. He took a big cyber leaf, drove home, and went home. cyber leaf, drove home, and went home. cyber leaf, drove home, and went home. And everything he, you know, it seemed And everything he, you know, it seemed And everything he, you know, it seemed great until about two weeks later when great until about two weeks later when great until about two weeks later when he got a call from the city. he got a call from the city. he got a call from the city. Now, for context, our campus at Buford Now, for context, our campus at Buford Now, for context, our campus at Buford usually uses around 200 gallons of water usually uses around 200 gallons of water usually uses around 200 gallons of water a week. Um, it was using 40,000 gallons a week. Um, it was using 40,000 gallons a week. Um, it was using 40,000 gallons of water per day after the ice storm. of water per day after the ice storm. of water per day after the ice storm. And so, the city calls and is like, And so, the city calls and is like, And so, the city calls and is like, "Hey, um, you're using a little bit more "Hey, um, you're using a little bit more "Hey, um, you're using a little bit more water than you typically do." And it water than you typically do." And it water than you typically do." And it turns out a sinkhole had formed in the turns out a sinkhole had formed in the turns out a sinkhole had formed in the parking lot at our Buford campus. Now, parking lot at our Buford campus. Now, parking lot at our Buford campus. Now, don't worry Buford, we took care of it, don't worry Buford, we took care of it, don't worry Buford, we took care of it, okay? Okay. And I've got receipts to okay? Okay. And I've got receipts to okay? Okay. And I've got receipts to prove it. We took care of it. Your car prove it. We took care of it. Your car prove it. We took care of it. Your car is not going to be swallowed up by the is not going to be swallowed up by the is not going to be swallowed up by the earth when you come out, you know, from earth when you come out, you know, from earth when you come out, you know, from church this morning. But a sinkhole had church this morning. But a sinkhole had church this morning. But a sinkhole had formed underneath the parking lot and we formed underneath the parking lot and we formed underneath the parking lot and we started leaking 40,000 gallons of water started leaking 40,000 gallons of water started leaking 40,000 gallons of water per day. And I don't know what you think per day. And I don't know what you think per day. And I don't know what you think of when you think of the word sinkhole.

of when you think of the word sinkhole. of when you think of the word sinkhole. Uh but for me, I kind of loop it into Uh but for me, I kind of loop it into Uh but for me, I kind of loop it into the same category as quicksand. It's the same category as quicksand. It's the same category as quicksand. It's something I always thought would be a something I always thought would be a something I always thought would be a way bigger problem when I was a kid than way bigger problem when I was a kid than way bigger problem when I was a kid than it actually became in my adult life to it actually became in my adult life to it actually became in my adult life to where sometimes I'm convinced quicksand where sometimes I'm convinced quicksand where sometimes I'm convinced quicksand is sort of a myth. You can kind of think is sort of a myth. You can kind of think is sort of a myth. You can kind of think that way about sink holes, too. But that way about sink holes, too. But that way about sink holes, too. But Buford will tell you sink holes are Buford will tell you sink holes are Buford will tell you sink holes are actually very real. They're very real. actually very real. They're very real. actually very real. They're very real. In fact, um here's how they work. In fact, um here's how they work. In fact, um here's how they work. There's usually an event that will take There's usually an event that will take There's usually an event that will take place above the surface. You know, in place above the surface. You know, in place above the surface. You know, in this case, it was the ice storm. And this case, it was the ice storm. And this case, it was the ice storm. And that event will trigger something that that event will trigger something that that event will trigger something that happens underneath the surface and a happens underneath the surface and a happens underneath the surface and a void will start to form. And if that void will start to form. And if that void will start to form. And if that void is not fixed over time that void void is not fixed over time that void void is not fixed over time that void will continue to grow and grow and grow. will continue to grow and grow and grow. will continue to grow and grow and grow. Even though everything on the surface Even though everything on the surface Even though everything on the surface looks entirely normal. And if that void looks entirely normal. And if that void looks entirely normal. And if that void continues not to be fixed, it will continues not to be fixed, it will continues not to be fixed, it will continue to grow until the surface is continue to grow until the surface is continue to grow until the surface is too heavy for the base of what's too heavy for the base of what's too heavy for the base of what's underneath it to support it. And underneath it to support it. And underneath it to support it. And eventually that void will collapse.

eventually that void will collapse. eventually that void will collapse. Everything on the surface that's built Everything on the surface that's built Everything on the surface that's built on top of it. Now, all things on top of it. Now, all things on top of it. Now, all things considered, the sinkhole at Buford is considered, the sinkhole at Buford is considered, the sinkhole at Buford is pretty minor, but there's some sinkholes pretty minor, but there's some sinkholes pretty minor, but there's some sinkholes that can do some pretty serious damage, that can do some pretty serious damage, that can do some pretty serious damage, like this one from Guatemala City back like this one from Guatemala City back like this one from Guatemala City back in the day. Look at that thing. in the day. Look at that thing. in the day. Look at that thing. Sink holes are very, very real. And so, Sink holes are very, very real. And so, Sink holes are very, very real. And so, you might be sitting there wondering, you might be sitting there wondering, you might be sitting there wondering, why are we talking about sink holes? We're talking about sinkholes because We're talking about sinkholes because everyone has one. Everyone has a place in their life where Everyone has a place in their life where things look better on the outside than things look better on the outside than things look better on the outside than they really are on the inside. they really are on the inside. they really are on the inside. A sinkhole is when your family looks A sinkhole is when your family looks A sinkhole is when your family looks perfect on Instagram, perfect on Instagram, perfect on Instagram, but at home you guys cannot stand to be but at home you guys cannot stand to be but at home you guys cannot stand to be around each other. around each other. around each other. A sinkhole is when your house or your A sinkhole is when your house or your A sinkhole is when your house or your car or the vacation that you just went car or the vacation that you just went car or the vacation that you just went on looks amazing, on looks amazing, on looks amazing, but the debt that you had to take on in but the debt that you had to take on in but the debt that you had to take on in order to make it happen is drowning you.

order to make it happen is drowning you. order to make it happen is drowning you. A sinkhole is when your grades look A sinkhole is when your grades look A sinkhole is when your grades look perfect on paper, but you know you used perfect on paper, but you know you used perfect on paper, but you know you used AI to get there, and so you're just AI to get there, and so you're just AI to get there, and so you're just hoping that nobody finds out. hoping that nobody finds out. hoping that nobody finds out. A sinkhole is when you're the person A sinkhole is when you're the person A sinkhole is when you're the person that people call when things are falling that people call when things are falling that people call when things are falling apart, apart, apart, but you don't have anyone to call when but you don't have anyone to call when but you don't have anyone to call when things are falling apart for you. things are falling apart for you. things are falling apart for you. A sinkhole is when you serve on Sundays A sinkhole is when you serve on Sundays A sinkhole is when you serve on Sundays or you serve on Wednesdays or maybe you or you serve on Wednesdays or maybe you or you serve on Wednesdays or maybe you attend a small group during the middle attend a small group during the middle attend a small group during the middle of the week, but you know that it's been of the week, but you know that it's been of the week, but you know that it's been years since you actually obey God in a years since you actually obey God in a years since you actually obey God in a way that cost you. All of us have a sinkhole in our life. All of us have a sinkhole in our life. We have a place where our lives look We have a place where our lives look We have a place where our lives look better on the outside than they are on better on the outside than they are on better on the outside than they are on the inside. And so if that's true, the the inside. And so if that's true, the the inside. And so if that's true, the question that we're going to go after question that we're going to go after question that we're going to go after today is today is today is what do we do with the sink holes in our what do we do with the sink holes in our what do we do with the sink holes in our lives? lives? lives? If we all have them, what are we If we all have them, what are we If we all have them, what are we supposed to do with them? And now last supposed to do with them? And now last supposed to do with them? And now last week, our campus pastors, by the way, week, our campus pastors, by the way, week, our campus pastors, by the way, shout out to your campus pastor and to shout out to your campus pastor and to shout out to your campus pastor and to our campus pastor here at Lawrence. It our campus pastor here at Lawrence. It our campus pastor here at Lawrence. It was an unbelievable week. Last week we was an unbelievable week. Last week we was an unbelievable week. Last week we talked about Hezekiah. Yes.

talked about Hezekiah. Yes. talked about Hezekiah. Yes. Last week our campus pastors talked Last week our campus pastors talked Last week our campus pastors talked about Hezekiah who's one of the Old about Hezekiah who's one of the Old about Hezekiah who's one of the Old Testament kings. Today we're going to Testament kings. Today we're going to Testament kings. Today we're going to talk about another Old Testament king talk about another Old Testament king talk about another Old Testament king who may be one of the most famous Old who may be one of the most famous Old who may be one of the most famous Old Testament kings and his name is King Testament kings and his name is King Testament kings and his name is King Solomon. Now, I'm going to give you a Solomon. Now, I'm going to give you a Solomon. Now, I'm going to give you a fair warning right off the top. When you fair warning right off the top. When you fair warning right off the top. When you look at Solomon's life, it will not look look at Solomon's life, it will not look look at Solomon's life, it will not look like Solomon has a sinkhole. Because like Solomon has a sinkhole. Because like Solomon has a sinkhole. Because from the outside looking in, Solomon's from the outside looking in, Solomon's from the outside looking in, Solomon's life is amazing. In fact, he's the son life is amazing. In fact, he's the son life is amazing. In fact, he's the son of King David. Like that King David, of King David. Like that King David, of King David. Like that King David, like the guy that the movie was made like the guy that the movie was made like the guy that the movie was made about recently, like that King David. Uh about recently, like that King David. Uh about recently, like that King David. Uh he's the richest man in all of he's the richest man in all of he's the richest man in all of scripture. His net worth is estimated to scripture. His net worth is estimated to scripture. His net worth is estimated to be about $2 trillion. Uh which is double be about $2 trillion. Uh which is double be about $2 trillion. Uh which is double Elon Musk in case you were keeping Elon Musk in case you were keeping Elon Musk in case you were keeping score. Um he is the person responsible score. Um he is the person responsible score. Um he is the person responsible for building and constructing the for building and constructing the for building and constructing the temple. uh which was one of the like temple. uh which was one of the like temple. uh which was one of the like architectural wonders of the world at architectural wonders of the world at architectural wonders of the world at the time it was constructed. But if him the time it was constructed. But if him the time it was constructed. But if him being amazing at construction and being being amazing at construction and being being amazing at construction and being rich and all that isn't good enough for rich and all that isn't good enough for rich and all that isn't good enough for you, he just so happens to also be the you, he just so happens to also be the you, he just so happens to also be the wisest person in all of scripture. Like wisest person in all of scripture. Like wisest person in all of scripture. Like Solomon is unbelievable. There is no Solomon is unbelievable. There is no Solomon is unbelievable. There is no scoreboard that Solomon is not winning scoreboard that Solomon is not winning scoreboard that Solomon is not winning on. Like he for sure would have gotten on. Like he for sure would have gotten on. Like he for sure would have gotten an invite to the Travis Kelsey Taylor an invite to the Travis Kelsey Taylor an invite to the Travis Kelsey Taylor Swift wedding this weekend. Like he's Swift wedding this weekend. Like he's Swift wedding this weekend. Like he's that kind of guy.

that kind of guy. that kind of guy. And yet And yet And yet he had a sinkhole. You wouldn't know it he had a sinkhole. You wouldn't know it he had a sinkhole. You wouldn't know it because on the surface everything looked because on the surface everything looked because on the surface everything looked amazing, but underneath there was amazing, but underneath there was amazing, but underneath there was something that was off. And the first something that was off. And the first something that was off. And the first clue that something was off in Solomon's clue that something was off in Solomon's clue that something was off in Solomon's life comes in first Kings chapter 3 life comes in first Kings chapter 3 life comes in first Kings chapter 3 verse one says that Solomon made an verse one says that Solomon made an verse one says that Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh, the king of alliance with Pharaoh, the king of alliance with Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and he married his daughter. And you might be looking at that and And you might be looking at that and thinking that's the sinkhole. Like thinking that's the sinkhole. Like thinking that's the sinkhole. Like that's it. And honestly, it seems pretty that's it. And honestly, it seems pretty that's it. And honestly, it seems pretty small. small. small. And for the most part, it is pretty And for the most part, it is pretty And for the most part, it is pretty small. But most sinkholes don't start small. But most sinkholes don't start small. But most sinkholes don't start small or don't start big. Sorry about small or don't start big. Sorry about small or don't start big. Sorry about that. They don't start big. They start that. They don't start big. They start that. They don't start big. They start small and they grow over time as they go small and they grow over time as they go small and they grow over time as they go unfixed. This is a small thing, but it unfixed. This is a small thing, but it unfixed. This is a small thing, but it became a big thing because it was became a big thing because it was became a big thing because it was allowed to grow. And by the way, just allowed to grow. And by the way, just allowed to grow. And by the way, just because it's small doesn't mean it's not because it's small doesn't mean it's not because it's small doesn't mean it's not a big deal. Because if you're looking at a big deal. Because if you're looking at a big deal. Because if you're looking at Solomon's story, you might even say this Solomon's story, you might even say this Solomon's story, you might even say this looks like Solomon's wisdom on display.

looks like Solomon's wisdom on display. looks like Solomon's wisdom on display. He's making an alliance with a rival He's making an alliance with a rival He's making an alliance with a rival powerful kingdom in Egypt. But can I powerful kingdom in Egypt. But can I powerful kingdom in Egypt. But can I tell you something? It's never wise to tell you something? It's never wise to tell you something? It's never wise to do something that God has specifically do something that God has specifically do something that God has specifically told you not to do. told you not to do. told you not to do. >> It doesn't matter how wise it looks. If >> It doesn't matter how wise it looks. If >> It doesn't matter how wise it looks. If God said not to do it, it's not wise. God said not to do it, it's not wise. God said not to do it, it's not wise. And Solomon, what he did in First Kings And Solomon, what he did in First Kings And Solomon, what he did in First Kings 3 is specifically something that God had 3 is specifically something that God had 3 is specifically something that God had commanded the people of Israel not to do commanded the people of Israel not to do commanded the people of Israel not to do all the way back in Deuteronomy chapter all the way back in Deuteronomy chapter all the way back in Deuteronomy chapter 7. This is God speaking through Moses to 7. This is God speaking through Moses to 7. This is God speaking through Moses to the nation of Israel. He says, "Do not the nation of Israel. He says, "Do not the nation of Israel. He says, "Do not intermarry with them." Talking about the intermarry with them." Talking about the intermarry with them." Talking about the rival kingdoms of Israel. "And do not rival kingdoms of Israel. "And do not rival kingdoms of Israel. "And do not give your daughters to their sons or give your daughters to their sons or give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons take their daughters for your sons take their daughters for your sons because they will turn your children because they will turn your children because they will turn your children away from following me to serve other away from following me to serve other away from following me to serve other gods." and the Lord's anger will burn gods." and the Lord's anger will burn gods." and the Lord's anger will burn against you and then will quickly against you and then will quickly against you and then will quickly destroy you. It may not seem like a big deal and in It may not seem like a big deal and in isolation it might not be except this isolation it might not be except this isolation it might not be except this small thing of marrying the daughter of small thing of marrying the daughter of small thing of marrying the daughter of Pharaoh turned into a big thing.

Pharaoh turned into a big thing. Pharaoh turned into a big thing. It grew over time and the next place It grew over time and the next place It grew over time and the next place that we see it growing is in first Kings that we see it growing is in first Kings that we see it growing is in first Kings chapter 6. Take a look. says, "In the chapter 6. Take a look. says, "In the chapter 6. Take a look. says, "In the 11th year, in the month of Bull, the 11th year, in the month of Bull, the 11th year, in the month of Bull, the eighth month, the temple was finished eighth month, the temple was finished eighth month, the temple was finished with all of its details according to its with all of its details according to its with all of its details according to its specifications. He," this is talking specifications. He," this is talking specifications. He," this is talking about Solomon, "spent seven years about Solomon, "spent seven years about Solomon, "spent seven years building it." Now, I'm going to pause building it." Now, I'm going to pause building it." Now, I'm going to pause there for just a second because what there for just a second because what there for just a second because what comes next is supposed to be a contrast comes next is supposed to be a contrast comes next is supposed to be a contrast with what was just said. The author is with what was just said. The author is with what was just said. The author is trying to get you to hold two things up trying to get you to hold two things up trying to get you to hold two things up next to each other and take a look at next to each other and take a look at next to each other and take a look at them and see if there's something up. them and see if there's something up. them and see if there's something up. That's the end of chapter 6. The That's the end of chapter 6. The That's the end of chapter 6. The beginning of chapter 7 says this. It beginning of chapter 7 says this. It beginning of chapter 7 says this. It took Solomon's 13 years, however, took Solomon's 13 years, however, took Solomon's 13 years, however, to complete the construction of his to complete the construction of his to complete the construction of his palace. palace. palace. Does that bother you? Does that bother you? Does that bother you? It bothers me. It bothers me. It bothers me. It took Solomon 7 years It took Solomon 7 years It took Solomon 7 years to build the temple of God, but it took to build the temple of God, but it took to build the temple of God, but it took him 13 years to build his own palace. him 13 years to build his own palace. him 13 years to build his own palace. And if you're in construction, you might And if you're in construction, you might And if you're in construction, you might argue that the project with the higher argue that the project with the higher argue that the project with the higher priority would be the project that got priority would be the project that got priority would be the project that got done first. And if the projects were done first. And if the projects were done first. And if the projects were equal, I actually might agree with that.

equal, I actually might agree with that. equal, I actually might agree with that. The problem is that these projects were The problem is that these projects were The problem is that these projects were not equal. not equal. not equal. Solomon built his palace as high as he Solomon built his palace as high as he Solomon built his palace as high as he built the temple, but he built it four built the temple, but he built it four built the temple, but he built it four times bigger. times bigger. times bigger. Seven years to build God's house, 13 Seven years to build God's house, 13 Seven years to build God's house, 13 years to build his. years to build his. years to build his. I've got a problem with that. I've got a problem with that. I've got a problem with that. The problem is you'd have a hard time The problem is you'd have a hard time The problem is you'd have a hard time convincing anyone during that time that convincing anyone during that time that convincing anyone during that time that there was a problem because on the there was a problem because on the there was a problem because on the outside looking in everything looked outside looking in everything looked outside looking in everything looked incredible. incredible. incredible. After all, the temple was finished. At After all, the temple was finished. At After all, the temple was finished. At that time, Israel had peace. They were that time, Israel had peace. They were that time, Israel had peace. They were they had defeated all of their enemies they had defeated all of their enemies they had defeated all of their enemies and their economy had literally never and their economy had literally never and their economy had literally never done better in the history of the nation done better in the history of the nation done better in the history of the nation of Israel. Like everything that the n of Israel. Like everything that the n of Israel. Like everything that the n that Solomon seemed to touch turned to that Solomon seemed to touch turned to that Solomon seemed to touch turned to gold. And if that wasn't enough for you, gold. And if that wasn't enough for you, gold. And if that wasn't enough for you, in First Kings 10, there's an account of in First Kings 10, there's an account of in First Kings 10, there's an account of this world leader called the Queen of this world leader called the Queen of this world leader called the Queen of Sheba who had heard stories about Sheba who had heard stories about Sheba who had heard stories about Solomon and his wisdom. She'd heard Solomon and his wisdom. She'd heard Solomon and his wisdom. She'd heard about Solomon's reputation. Like, she about Solomon's reputation. Like, she about Solomon's reputation. Like, she heard all of the things that were taking heard all of the things that were taking heard all of the things that were taking place in Israel. And she didn't believe place in Israel. And she didn't believe place in Israel. And she didn't believe they were true. And so, she wanted to go they were true. And so, she wanted to go they were true. And so, she wanted to go see all of it for herself.

see all of it for herself. see all of it for herself. And you can read this for yourself in And you can read this for yourself in And you can read this for yourself in First Kings 10. When the Queen of Sheba First Kings 10. When the Queen of Sheba First Kings 10. When the Queen of Sheba came and saw for herself the kingdom came and saw for herself the kingdom came and saw for herself the kingdom that Solomon had built, when she met that Solomon had built, when she met that Solomon had built, when she met Solomon himself and tested his wisdom, Solomon himself and tested his wisdom, Solomon himself and tested his wisdom, when she met the people that worked for when she met the people that worked for when she met the people that worked for Solomon, you know what uh the text says? Solomon, you know what uh the text says? Solomon, you know what uh the text says? It literally took her breath away. It literally took her breath away. It literally took her breath away. Solomon was better than advertised. Solomon was better than advertised. Solomon was better than advertised. So when you're looking at Solomon's life So when you're looking at Solomon's life So when you're looking at Solomon's life from the outside, you don't think that from the outside, you don't think that from the outside, you don't think that you're looking at a sinkhole. What you you're looking at a sinkhole. What you you're looking at a sinkhole. What you think you're looking at is the blessing think you're looking at is the blessing think you're looking at is the blessing of God. of God. of God. But sinkholes do not deal with what's But sinkholes do not deal with what's But sinkholes do not deal with what's happening on the surface. On the surface, it looked like blessing. On the surface, it looked like blessing. But sinkholes do not deal with what's on But sinkholes do not deal with what's on But sinkholes do not deal with what's on the surface. They deal with what's going the surface. They deal with what's going the surface. They deal with what's going on beneath the surface. on beneath the surface. on beneath the surface. And the whole time that things on the And the whole time that things on the And the whole time that things on the outside looked like blessing, what was outside looked like blessing, what was outside looked like blessing, what was true underneath the surface of Solomon's true underneath the surface of Solomon's true underneath the surface of Solomon's life was that a sinkhole was forming and life was that a sinkhole was forming and life was that a sinkhole was forming and was growing.

was growing. was growing. And in first Kings 11, And in first Kings 11, And in first Kings 11, the void gets so big that everything the void gets so big that everything the void gets so big that everything finally collapses. Says, "As Solomon finally collapses. Says, "As Solomon finally collapses. Says, "As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart grew old, his wives turned his heart grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods." Just like God said, after other gods." Just like God said, after other gods." Just like God said, his heart was not fully devoted to the his heart was not fully devoted to the his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God as the heart of David his Lord his God as the heart of David his Lord his God as the heart of David his father had been. And so Solomon did evil father had been. And so Solomon did evil father had been. And so Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord and he did not in the eyes of the Lord and he did not in the eyes of the Lord and he did not follow the Lord completely as David his follow the Lord completely as David his follow the Lord completely as David his father had done. And the Lord became father had done. And the Lord became father had done. And the Lord became angry with Solomon because his heart had angry with Solomon because his heart had angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of turned away from the Lord, the God of turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. Israel, who had appeared to him twice. Israel, who had appeared to him twice. And although he had forbidden Solomon to And although he had forbidden Solomon to And although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep follow other gods, Solomon did not keep follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the Lord's command. And so the Lord said the Lord's command. And so the Lord said the Lord's command. And so the Lord said to Solomon, "Since this is your to Solomon, "Since this is your to Solomon, "Since this is your attitude, and you've not kept my attitude, and you've not kept my attitude, and you've not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I covenant and my decrees, which I covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly commanded you, I will most certainly commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give tear the kingdom away from you and give tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates."

it to one of your subordinates." it to one of your subordinates." And from that moment on, everything that And from that moment on, everything that And from that moment on, everything that Solomon had spent his life building, Solomon had spent his life building, Solomon had spent his life building, his reputation, his reputation, his reputation, his family, the temple, the kingdom, all his family, the temple, the kingdom, all his family, the temple, the kingdom, all of it, all of it came crashing down. And this is the part of Solomon's story And this is the part of Solomon's story where it's really tempting to check out where it's really tempting to check out where it's really tempting to check out and be like, "Wow, that's a crazy story. and be like, "Wow, that's a crazy story. and be like, "Wow, that's a crazy story. It has absolutely nothing to do with It has absolutely nothing to do with It has absolutely nothing to do with me." Right? Because most of us I mean me." Right? Because most of us I mean me." Right? Because most of us I mean most of us don't identify with being the most of us don't identify with being the most of us don't identify with being the richest most powerful and influential richest most powerful and influential richest most powerful and influential person on the planet in our lifetime you person on the planet in our lifetime you person on the planet in our lifetime you know and if you do by the way I would know and if you do by the way I would know and if you do by the way I would love to hang out okay let's be friends love to hang out okay let's be friends love to hang out okay let's be friends if you are the richest most powerful if you are the richest most powerful if you are the richest most powerful person in your lifetime come find me person in your lifetime come find me person in your lifetime come find me let's be friends let's be friends let's be friends but for most of us we can't relate to an but for most of us we can't relate to an but for most of us we can't relate to an Old Testament king Old Testament king Old Testament king however all of us do have a kingdom however all of us do have a kingdom however all of us do have a kingdom all of us have a place where we get to all of us have a place where we get to all of us have a place where we get to call the shots. Now, maybe for you, your call the shots. Now, maybe for you, your call the shots. Now, maybe for you, your kingdom is your family.

kingdom is your family. kingdom is your family. Maybe it's your job. It could be your Maybe it's your job. It could be your Maybe it's your job. It could be your finances. It might be your attitude. It finances. It might be your attitude. It finances. It might be your attitude. It might be your thoughts. It might be the might be your thoughts. It might be the might be your thoughts. It might be the stuff that like all of us have a place stuff that like all of us have a place stuff that like all of us have a place where we get to call the shots. And just where we get to call the shots. And just where we get to call the shots. And just like Solomon, all of the kingdoms that like Solomon, all of the kingdoms that like Solomon, all of the kingdoms that we have have the potential to form sink we have have the potential to form sink we have have the potential to form sink holes. holes. holes. I would actually argue you have a lot I would actually argue you have a lot I would actually argue you have a lot more in common with Solomon than you more in common with Solomon than you more in common with Solomon than you might think. And I would go as far to might think. And I would go as far to might think. And I would go as far to say that it's a lot easier to become say that it's a lot easier to become say that it's a lot easier to become like Solomon than you think it is. like Solomon than you think it is. like Solomon than you think it is. And I say that having watched it And I say that having watched it And I say that having watched it firsthand because I watched it happen to firsthand because I watched it happen to firsthand because I watched it happen to my dad. I watched this happen to my dad. Now I I watched this happen to my dad. Now I want to begin by saying want to begin by saying want to begin by saying I really love my dad. I really love my dad. I really love my dad. He was married to my mom for 28 years. He was married to my mom for 28 years. He was married to my mom for 28 years. He had two kids, me and my brother. He He had two kids, me and my brother. He He had two kids, me and my brother. He had an unbelievable fadeaway driveway had an unbelievable fadeaway driveway had an unbelievable fadeaway driveway jump shot. I don't know how he figured jump shot. I don't know how he figured jump shot. I don't know how he figured it out. Like I could not defend my dad it out. Like I could not defend my dad it out. Like I could not defend my dad in basketball and he beat me literally in basketball and he beat me literally in basketball and he beat me literally my whole life. He was a really amazing my whole life. He was a really amazing my whole life. He was a really amazing preacher and pastor. In fact, uh he preacher and pastor. In fact, uh he preacher and pastor. In fact, uh he wasn't much older than me when he took wasn't much older than me when he took wasn't much older than me when he took over a church um as a senior pastor of over a church um as a senior pastor of over a church um as a senior pastor of about a hundred people and he grew that about a hundred people and he grew that about a hundred people and he grew that church into one of the largest most church into one of the largest most church into one of the largest most influential churches in our community.

influential churches in our community. influential churches in our community. Like my dad had a lot of things going Like my dad had a lot of things going Like my dad had a lot of things going for him that were really incredible. for him that were really incredible. for him that were really incredible. Unfortunately, Unfortunately, Unfortunately, he also had a sinkhole. he also had a sinkhole. he also had a sinkhole. And for him, the sinkhole started when And for him, the sinkhole started when And for him, the sinkhole started when he was seven and his dad left. They he was seven and his dad left. They he was seven and his dad left. They never reconciled. And so, it wasn't like never reconciled. And so, it wasn't like never reconciled. And so, it wasn't like my dad got to go spend every other my dad got to go spend every other my dad got to go spend every other weekend with his dad. He didn't come to weekend with his dad. He didn't come to weekend with his dad. He didn't come to graduations. He didn't show up to my graduations. He didn't show up to my graduations. He didn't show up to my parents wedding. Like, he walked out on parents wedding. Like, he walked out on parents wedding. Like, he walked out on my dad and my dad never saw him again. my dad and my dad never saw him again. my dad and my dad never saw him again. And from that point, uh, a void, that And from that point, uh, a void, that And from that point, uh, a void, that event created a void in my dad's heart event created a void in my dad's heart event created a void in my dad's heart where he believed that he wasn't good where he believed that he wasn't good where he believed that he wasn't good enough for his dad to want to stay. And so he had that void in his heart and And so he had that void in his heart and he tried to think through, well, how can he tried to think through, well, how can he tried to think through, well, how can I fill the void? And so his solution for I fill the void? And so his solution for I fill the void? And so his solution for trying to fill the void was to fix it by trying to fill the void was to fix it by trying to fill the void was to fix it by performing. And perform my dad did. if performing. And perform my dad did. if performing. And perform my dad did. if he could just be better, if he could he could just be better, if he could he could just be better, if he could just build something bigger, if he could just build something bigger, if he could just build something bigger, if he could just become well-known enough, maybe just become well-known enough, maybe just become well-known enough, maybe that would fill the void in my dad's that would fill the void in my dad's that would fill the void in my dad's heart. And he performed. He became a heart. And he performed. He became a heart. And he performed. He became a college athlete. He built a really college athlete. He built a really college athlete. He built a really greatlooking family. I mean, by all greatlooking family. I mean, by all greatlooking family. I mean, by all metrics, he was killing it in his job.

metrics, he was killing it in his job. metrics, he was killing it in his job. The reputation that he had built and the The reputation that he had built and the The reputation that he had built and the community that I grew up in was second community that I grew up in was second community that I grew up in was second to none. Like my dad performed to none. Like my dad performed to none. Like my dad performed and everything on the outside looked and everything on the outside looked and everything on the outside looked incredible, but everything that he had incredible, but everything that he had incredible, but everything that he had built was built on a sinkhole. built was built on a sinkhole. built was built on a sinkhole. Everything. It looked better on the Everything. It looked better on the Everything. It looked better on the outside than it really was on the outside than it really was on the outside than it really was on the inside. And my dad had his own First Kings 11 And my dad had his own First Kings 11 moment in 2018 when he was asked to moment in 2018 when he was asked to moment in 2018 when he was asked to resign from the church. It's a long story, but It's a long story, but it had come out that he had been abusing it had come out that he had been abusing it had come out that he had been abusing my mom for years. my mom for years. my mom for years. And as soon as that comes out, you know, And as soon as that comes out, you know, And as soon as that comes out, you know, some things that he had spent his whole some things that he had spent his whole some things that he had spent his whole life building, his his career, his life building, his his career, his life building, his his career, his reputation, all of a sudden they just reputation, all of a sudden they just reputation, all of a sudden they just came crashing down pretty quick. came crashing down pretty quick. came crashing down pretty quick. Not long after that, my mom filed for Not long after that, my mom filed for Not long after that, my mom filed for divorce and her and my brother left. divorce and her and my brother left. divorce and her and my brother left. And you know, the marriage that he had And you know, the marriage that he had And you know, the marriage that he had spent 28 years building and the family spent 28 years building and the family spent 28 years building and the family that he had spent so long building just that he had spent so long building just that he had spent so long building just came crashing down.

came crashing down. came crashing down. After a while, he moved away, moved out After a while, he moved away, moved out After a while, he moved away, moved out of state to kind of get away from of state to kind of get away from of state to kind of get away from everything. and the community that he everything. and the community that he everything. and the community that he had spent years building up and the had spent years building up and the had spent years building up and the connections that he had made just in a connections that he had made just in a connections that he had made just in a second came second came second came came crashing down. came crashing down. came crashing down. And it was about nine months after all And it was about nine months after all And it was about nine months after all of that began, of that began, of that began, nine months after my dad was asked to nine months after my dad was asked to nine months after my dad was asked to resign when resign when resign when he unfortunately made the decision to he unfortunately made the decision to he unfortunately made the decision to take his own life. So So please believe me when I say I know what please believe me when I say I know what please believe me when I say I know what a sinkhole that goes unadressed can a sinkhole that goes unadressed can a sinkhole that goes unadressed can become Now the irony of the whole thing was Now the irony of the whole thing was that that that after my dad had passed away I started after my dad had passed away I started after my dad had passed away I started to notice that the same sinkhole to notice that the same sinkhole to notice that the same sinkhole started popping up in my heart started popping up in my heart started popping up in my heart at the end of his life. Um my dad had at the end of his life. Um my dad had at the end of his life. Um my dad had sort of isolated himself and and he sort of isolated himself and and he sort of isolated himself and and he didn't have a lot of relationships left.

didn't have a lot of relationships left. didn't have a lot of relationships left. And so really the last person that he And so really the last person that he And so really the last person that he consistently talked to before he died consistently talked to before he died consistently talked to before he died was me. was me. was me. And I can remember thinking to myself And I can remember thinking to myself And I can remember thinking to myself after my dad died after my dad died after my dad died that being my dad must not have been that being my dad must not have been that being my dad must not have been enough for him to want to stay either. Same sinkhole, same void that had formed Same sinkhole, same void that had formed in his heart when his dad left started in his heart when his dad left started in his heart when his dad left started to form in my heart when my dad left. to form in my heart when my dad left. to form in my heart when my dad left. And just like I had the same void, And just like I had the same void, And just like I had the same void, I had the same temptation of how to fix I had the same temptation of how to fix I had the same temptation of how to fix it. All I wanted to do was perform. it. All I wanted to do was perform. it. All I wanted to do was perform. I I legitimately I thought maybe if I I I legitimately I thought maybe if I I I legitimately I thought maybe if I could just be impressive enough, could just be impressive enough, could just be impressive enough, maybe if I could just work at a big maybe if I could just work at a big maybe if I could just work at a big enough church, enough church, enough church, you know, maybe if I could just have you know, maybe if I could just have you know, maybe if I could just have enough people who knew my name, that enough people who knew my name, that enough people who knew my name, that that would somehow be enough to fill the that would somehow be enough to fill the that would somehow be enough to fill the void that had been left in my heart of void that had been left in my heart of void that had been left in my heart of my dad leaving. But unfortunately, I had seen where that But unfortunately, I had seen where that road led. road led. road led. And I knew pretty early on that I had a And I knew pretty early on that I had a And I knew pretty early on that I had a choice to make.

You got a choice to make. You got a choice to make. Maybe your sinkhole Maybe your sinkhole Maybe your sinkhole started when your dad left. started when your dad left. started when your dad left. Maybe a sinkhole formed in you Maybe a sinkhole formed in you Maybe a sinkhole formed in you after a form of abuse, after a form of abuse, after a form of abuse, a betrayal. a betrayal. a betrayal. Maybe God did not answer a prayer that Maybe God did not answer a prayer that Maybe God did not answer a prayer that you had specifically been asking of him. you had specifically been asking of him. you had specifically been asking of him. Whatever the event was, Whatever the event was, Whatever the event was, it created a void. And the question it created a void. And the question it created a void. And the question isn't whether or not that event created isn't whether or not that event created isn't whether or not that event created a void. The question is, what are you a void. The question is, what are you a void. The question is, what are you doing with the void that's been left? doing with the void that's been left? doing with the void that's been left? Because because Because because Because because even though what happened wasn't your even though what happened wasn't your even though what happened wasn't your fault? fault? fault? Addressing that sinkhole is your Addressing that sinkhole is your Addressing that sinkhole is your responsibility. And what you decide to do with the And what you decide to do with the sinkhole in your heart is one of the sinkhole in your heart is one of the sinkhole in your heart is one of the most important decisions that you'll most important decisions that you'll most important decisions that you'll make with your life. make with your life. make with your life. And so I want to go all the way back to And so I want to go all the way back to And so I want to go all the way back to our original question from the very our original question from the very our original question from the very beginning. If we all have sinkholes, beginning. If we all have sinkholes, beginning. If we all have sinkholes, then what do we do with the sink holes then what do we do with the sink holes then what do we do with the sink holes in our lives?

in our lives? in our lives? What do we do with them? What do we do with them? What do we do with them? And best I can figure out, I think we've And best I can figure out, I think we've And best I can figure out, I think we've got two choices for what we can do with got two choices for what we can do with got two choices for what we can do with the sink holes in our life. We can the sink holes in our life. We can the sink holes in our life. We can either either either try to fix it yourself try to fix it yourself try to fix it yourself or you can ask for help. or you can ask for help. or you can ask for help. You can fix it yourself or you can ask You can fix it yourself or you can ask You can fix it yourself or you can ask for help. And to be honest with you, for help. And to be honest with you, for help. And to be honest with you, most of us try and fix it ourselves. Most of us try and fix it ourselves. We Most of us try and fix it ourselves. We try and perform harder and achieve more try and perform harder and achieve more try and perform harder and achieve more hoping that that next accomplishment hoping that that next accomplishment hoping that that next accomplishment will somehow will somehow will somehow fix the void that's been left in our fix the void that's been left in our fix the void that's been left in our heart. or we'll try and spend our way heart. or we'll try and spend our way heart. or we'll try and spend our way out of it. We'll try and get a bigger out of it. We'll try and get a bigger out of it. We'll try and get a bigger house or a nicer car or go on a nicer house or a nicer car or go on a nicer house or a nicer car or go on a nicer vacation, hoping that that thing that we vacation, hoping that that thing that we vacation, hoping that that thing that we can acquire will be the thing that fills can acquire will be the thing that fills can acquire will be the thing that fills us up and and makes us not feel empty us up and and makes us not feel empty us up and and makes us not feel empty anymore. Or maybe we numb out and we'll anymore. Or maybe we numb out and we'll anymore. Or maybe we numb out and we'll just have another drink or we'll just just have another drink or we'll just just have another drink or we'll just scroll a little bit more or we'll just scroll a little bit more or we'll just scroll a little bit more or we'll just watch the next episode. Yes, Netflix, watch the next episode. Yes, Netflix, watch the next episode. Yes, Netflix, I'm still watching. Just trying to avoid feeling the Just trying to avoid feeling the emptiness that's in our heart. Or maybe emptiness that's in our heart. Or maybe emptiness that's in our heart. Or maybe you'll do even some of what I did. Some you'll do even some of what I did. Some you'll do even some of what I did. Some of us just try and stay busy hoping that of us just try and stay busy hoping that of us just try and stay busy hoping that time heals all wounds. And so we think time heals all wounds. And so we think time heals all wounds. And so we think that we can just kick the can down the that we can just kick the can down the that we can just kick the can down the road and hopefully that wound will just road and hopefully that wound will just road and hopefully that wound will just heal itself. Not realizing that time heal itself. Not realizing that time heal itself. Not realizing that time infects all wounds that are not dealt infects all wounds that are not dealt infects all wounds that are not dealt with.

Most of us try and fix it ourselves. And Most of us try and fix it ourselves. And what I found is that most of us don't what I found is that most of us don't what I found is that most of us don't try and fix it oursel because we're try and fix it oursel because we're try and fix it oursel because we're evil. We don't try and fix it oursel evil. We don't try and fix it oursel evil. We don't try and fix it oursel because we're this terrible dark person. because we're this terrible dark person. because we're this terrible dark person. We try and fix it oursel because we know We try and fix it oursel because we know We try and fix it oursel because we know that asking for help is really that asking for help is really that asking for help is really expensive. expensive. expensive. Asking for help is really expensive. And Asking for help is really expensive. And Asking for help is really expensive. And rather than pay what it costs to get the rather than pay what it costs to get the rather than pay what it costs to get the help that we need, we try and kind of do help that we need, we try and kind of do help that we need, we try and kind of do it ourselves. And I learned that um the it ourselves. And I learned that um the it ourselves. And I learned that um the hard way this year, unfortunately. Um hard way this year, unfortunately. Um hard way this year, unfortunately. Um this past October, Shelby and I got to this past October, Shelby and I got to this past October, Shelby and I got to buy our very first house, which was buy our very first house, which was buy our very first house, which was awesome. Was super excited about it. Um awesome. Was super excited about it. Um awesome. Was super excited about it. Um we had been like praying for that for a we had been like praying for that for a we had been like praying for that for a long time. long time. long time. Don't clap just yet. Okay. Uh we also Don't clap just yet. Okay. Uh we also Don't clap just yet. Okay. Uh we also learned in October that we were going to learned in October that we were going to learned in October that we were going to get to renovate our first house. We get to renovate our first house. We get to renovate our first house. We weren't planning on it, but we got to. weren't planning on it, but we got to. weren't planning on it, but we got to. And um I'll just show you like this And um I'll just show you like this And um I'll just show you like this wasn't just like putting some shiplap on wasn't just like putting some shiplap on wasn't just like putting some shiplap on a wall. Okay. This was like I'm looking a wall. Okay. This was like I'm looking a wall. Okay. This was like I'm looking into the crawl space from my dining into the crawl space from my dining into the crawl space from my dining room. All right. Like we were doing some room. All right. Like we were doing some room. All right. Like we were doing some major renovations. I'll show you the major renovations. I'll show you the major renovations. I'll show you the kitchen. Yeah. This is this is the kitchen. Yeah. This is this is the kitchen. Yeah. This is this is the kitchen after we uh figured out that we kitchen after we uh figured out that we kitchen after we uh figured out that we were going to have to renovate thing.

were going to have to renovate thing. were going to have to renovate thing. Like the place needed a whole bunch of Like the place needed a whole bunch of Like the place needed a whole bunch of work. And you can imagine, you know, my work. And you can imagine, you know, my work. And you can imagine, you know, my first thought when we buy the place, first thought when we buy the place, first thought when we buy the place, well, I can't tell you that. I'm going well, I can't tell you that. I'm going well, I can't tell you that. I'm going to tell you the first thought. My second to tell you the first thought. My second to tell you the first thought. My second thought after we found out that we were thought after we found out that we were thought after we found out that we were going to have to renovate things was, my going to have to renovate things was, my going to have to renovate things was, my goodness, what a gift for Shelby. She goodness, what a gift for Shelby. She goodness, what a gift for Shelby. She going to get to see what kind of man she going to get to see what kind of man she going to get to see what kind of man she married. You know, I'm going to build my married. You know, I'm going to build my married. You know, I'm going to build my wife a house with my own two hands like wife a house with my own two hands like wife a house with my own two hands like a man. a man. a man. Which is pretty funny. It shows you how Which is pretty funny. It shows you how Which is pretty funny. It shows you how delusional I am because I used a saw for delusional I am because I used a saw for delusional I am because I used a saw for the second time in my life in October. the second time in my life in October. the second time in my life in October. But I'll build a house for sure. For But I'll build a house for sure. For But I'll build a house for sure. For sure. sure. sure. So, I went to Home Depot. I bought up a So, I went to Home Depot. I bought up a So, I went to Home Depot. I bought up a bunch of stuff that I didn't, you know, bunch of stuff that I didn't, you know, bunch of stuff that I didn't, you know, know the names of. I did not ask for know the names of. I did not ask for know the names of. I did not ask for help, by the way. Um, I watched a couple help, by the way. Um, I watched a couple help, by the way. Um, I watched a couple of YouTube tutorials. Okay. I started of YouTube tutorials. Okay. I started of YouTube tutorials. Okay. I started wearing a lot more carhe heart. Don't I wearing a lot more carhe heart. Don't I wearing a lot more carhe heart. Don't I don't regret that one bit. That was don't regret that one bit. That was don't regret that one bit. That was amazing. And it took me about 48 hours for And it took me about 48 hours for reality to sink in that this was not reality to sink in that this was not reality to sink in that this was not like a DIY project that I could do on my like a DIY project that I could do on my like a DIY project that I could do on my own. The more stuff that I started own. The more stuff that I started own. The more stuff that I started ripping out and the more things I kept ripping out and the more things I kept ripping out and the more things I kept trying to fix, the more things I trying to fix, the more things I trying to fix, the more things I realized were broken. And I think I was realized were broken. And I think I was realized were broken. And I think I was breaking some of them, you know.

breaking some of them, you know. breaking some of them, you know. And honestly, part of why I was so And honestly, part of why I was so And honestly, part of why I was so frustrated and why I wanted to do this frustrated and why I wanted to do this frustrated and why I wanted to do this myself was because I wanted to try and myself was because I wanted to try and myself was because I wanted to try and do it as cheaply as possible. Like I do it as cheaply as possible. Like I do it as cheaply as possible. Like I didn't want to pay the cost for what it didn't want to pay the cost for what it didn't want to pay the cost for what it would be to get professional help. would be to get professional help. would be to get professional help. Now, Now, Now, unfortunately, what I learned as I was unfortunately, what I learned as I was unfortunately, what I learned as I was trying to do it all myself was that it trying to do it all myself was that it trying to do it all myself was that it was going to cost me either way. It was going to cost me either way. It was going to cost me either way. It didn't matter if I tried to do it myself didn't matter if I tried to do it myself didn't matter if I tried to do it myself first or if I just called for help first or if I just called for help first or if I just called for help first. I was going to end up paying for first. I was going to end up paying for first. I was going to end up paying for help. help. help. Now, eventually, I had some buddies and Now, eventually, I had some buddies and Now, eventually, I had some buddies and and my wife eventually convinced me that and my wife eventually convinced me that and my wife eventually convinced me that I needed to uh to get some actual I needed to uh to get some actual I needed to uh to get some actual professional help. And so, I called a professional help. And so, I called a professional help. And so, I called a family friend of ours who's a general family friend of ours who's a general family friend of ours who's a general contractor, and I had him come out to contractor, and I had him come out to contractor, and I had him come out to the house. And I'm worried. I'm going to the house. And I'm worried. I'm going to the house. And I'm worried. I'm going to be honest. I'm worried as he's walking be honest. I'm worried as he's walking be honest. I'm worried as he's walking through the house cuz I'm like, I think through the house cuz I'm like, I think through the house cuz I'm like, I think I broke it. Like, I think the house is I I broke it. Like, I think the house is I I broke it. Like, I think the house is I think I killed it. I think the house is think I killed it. I think the house is think I killed it. I think the house is done. I don't think we can live here done. I don't think we can live here done. I don't think we can live here anymore. anymore. anymore. And what was really encouraging was he's And what was really encouraging was he's And what was really encouraging was he's walking through and he goes, "Hey, man. walking through and he goes, "Hey, man. walking through and he goes, "Hey, man. All of this is fixable. I was like, "Oh, All of this is fixable. I was like, "Oh, All of this is fixable. I was like, "Oh, thank God." You know, I didn't hurt it thank God." You know, I didn't hurt it thank God." You know, I didn't hurt it too badly.

too badly. too badly. The next thing he said hurt a little bit The next thing he said hurt a little bit The next thing he said hurt a little bit more, which was, "All of this is more, which was, "All of this is more, which was, "All of this is fixable. It just can't be fixed by you." fixable. It just can't be fixed by you." fixable. It just can't be fixed by you." Fair enough. Fair enough. Fair enough. And so, you know, I eventually just had And so, you know, I eventually just had And so, you know, I eventually just had to shell out and pay for help from to shell out and pay for help from to shell out and pay for help from professionals who had tools that I professionals who had tools that I professionals who had tools that I didn't know existed and who had an didn't know existed and who had an didn't know existed and who had an expertise that I clearly did not. Like expertise that I clearly did not. Like expertise that I clearly did not. Like eventually I just had to get help from eventually I just had to get help from eventually I just had to get help from people who could actually do it. And people who could actually do it. And people who could actually do it. And I'll tell you something, the best I'll tell you something, the best I'll tell you something, the best decision I made during that entire decision I made during that entire decision I made during that entire renovation was wearing more carhe heart. renovation was wearing more carhe heart. renovation was wearing more carhe heart. Absolutely. Absolutely. Absolutely. But the second best decision that I made But the second best decision that I made But the second best decision that I made was to stop trying to fix it myself was to stop trying to fix it myself was to stop trying to fix it myself and to pay what it costs to get help. So it is with the sink holes in our So it is with the sink holes in our lives. lives. lives. So it is with our sinkholes. The really So it is with our sinkholes. The really So it is with our sinkholes. The really good news about the sink holes in our good news about the sink holes in our good news about the sink holes in our heart is that they can be fixed.

heart is that they can be fixed. heart is that they can be fixed. The bad news is that they can't be fixed The bad news is that they can't be fixed The bad news is that they can't be fixed by you. You can't fix the sinkhole in your own You can't fix the sinkhole in your own heart. Doesn't matter how much money you heart. Doesn't matter how much money you heart. Doesn't matter how much money you make. It doesn't matter how much bigger make. It doesn't matter how much bigger make. It doesn't matter how much bigger your house is. It doesn't matter how your house is. It doesn't matter how your house is. It doesn't matter how much more in shape you get. It doesn't much more in shape you get. It doesn't much more in shape you get. It doesn't matter how much Tik Tok you scroll or matter how much Tik Tok you scroll or matter how much Tik Tok you scroll or Netflix you watch. Doesn't matter how Netflix you watch. Doesn't matter how Netflix you watch. Doesn't matter how many touchdowns you score or many touchdowns you score or many touchdowns you score or scholarships you get offered. That scholarships you get offered. That scholarships you get offered. That sinkhole that's in your heart can be sinkhole that's in your heart can be sinkhole that's in your heart can be fixed. It just cannot be fixed by you. fixed. It just cannot be fixed by you. fixed. It just cannot be fixed by you. >> We all need help >> We all need help >> We all need help from someone who knows what they are from someone who knows what they are from someone who knows what they are doing and has every tool necessary to doing and has every tool necessary to doing and has every tool necessary to fix what's broken in our heart. And this fix what's broken in our heart. And this fix what's broken in our heart. And this is the best part of the story because is the best part of the story because is the best part of the story because this is the part of the story where this is the part of the story where this is the part of the story where Jesus enters into the picture. Jesus enters into the picture. Jesus enters into the picture. There's this passage in in Luke chapter There's this passage in in Luke chapter There's this passage in in Luke chapter 4 where Jesus is standing up much like 4 where Jesus is standing up much like 4 where Jesus is standing up much like this. He's in a church service. He's in this. He's in a church service. He's in this. He's in a church service. He's in the synagogue and he's reading from the the synagogue and he's reading from the the synagogue and he's reading from the scroll of Isaiah, particularly Isaiah scroll of Isaiah, particularly Isaiah scroll of Isaiah, particularly Isaiah 61, and he says, "The spirit of the 61, and he says, "The spirit of the 61, and he says, "The spirit of the sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to has anointed me to proclaim good news to has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the the poor. He has sent me to bind up the the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted and to proclaim freedom brokenhearted and to proclaim freedom brokenhearted and to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from for the captives and release from for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. So he's darkness for the prisoners. So he's darkness for the prisoners. So he's reading this prophecy. This is a a thing reading this prophecy. This is a a thing reading this prophecy. This is a a thing that Isaiah wrote hundreds of years that Isaiah wrote hundreds of years that Isaiah wrote hundreds of years earlier in anticipation of one who was earlier in anticipation of one who was earlier in anticipation of one who was to come who would fulfill all of those to come who would fulfill all of those to come who would fulfill all of those things. And Jesus closes the scroll and things. And Jesus closes the scroll and things. And Jesus closes the scroll and Luke chapter 4 tells us he stands in

Luke chapter 4 tells us he stands in Luke chapter 4 tells us he stands in front of the people after he reads and front of the people after he reads and front of the people after he reads and he says today this scripture is he says today this scripture is he says today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing. fulfilled in your hearing. fulfilled in your hearing. What Jesus is saying is I am the one What Jesus is saying is I am the one What Jesus is saying is I am the one that Isaiah said was coming. Jesus is that Isaiah said was coming. Jesus is that Isaiah said was coming. Jesus is the one who can fix every sinkhole in the one who can fix every sinkhole in the one who can fix every sinkhole in every human heart. He is the one who can every human heart. He is the one who can every human heart. He is the one who can bind up the brokenhearted, those of us bind up the brokenhearted, those of us bind up the brokenhearted, those of us who are not whole. who are not whole. who are not whole. So, back to our original question. What So, back to our original question. What So, back to our original question. What do we do with our sink holes? Oh, we do we do with our sink holes? Oh, we do we do with our sink holes? Oh, we just ask for help from the one who can just ask for help from the one who can just ask for help from the one who can fix them. fix them. fix them. That's what you do with the sinkhole. That's what you do with the sinkhole. That's what you do with the sinkhole. You ask for help from the one who can You ask for help from the one who can You ask for help from the one who can fix them. fix them. fix them. But I'm going to warn you something. Asking for help is going to cost you. It Asking for help is going to cost you. It will cost you your pride. will cost you your pride. will cost you your pride. It will cost you some hard conversations It will cost you some hard conversations It will cost you some hard conversations that you've been avoiding maybe for that you've been avoiding maybe for that you've been avoiding maybe for years. It may cost you your reputation years. It may cost you your reputation years. It may cost you your reputation and that image that you've been working and that image that you've been working and that image that you've been working so hard to build and maintain.

so hard to build and maintain. so hard to build and maintain. It may even cost you your standard of It may even cost you your standard of It may even cost you your standard of living if that's the way that you've living if that's the way that you've living if that's the way that you've been covering up your sinkhole. And it's not lost on me when I say all And it's not lost on me when I say all of that that that is a very expensive of that that that is a very expensive of that that that is a very expensive cost. cost. cost. I get it. In fact, you might sit there I get it. In fact, you might sit there I get it. In fact, you might sit there and say and say and say that is too expensive. I'm not going to that is too expensive. I'm not going to that is too expensive. I'm not going to pay that right now. And there's a very pay that right now. And there's a very pay that right now. And there's a very real temptation because of how much that real temptation because of how much that real temptation because of how much that would cost to just get up, walk out of would cost to just get up, walk out of would cost to just get up, walk out of here today, continue to go on and and here today, continue to go on and and here today, continue to go on and and keep life going as normal, and just pray keep life going as normal, and just pray keep life going as normal, and just pray and hope that the surface of your life and hope that the surface of your life and hope that the surface of your life holds for another year. Maybe you get holds for another year. Maybe you get holds for another year. Maybe you get another five out of it because the cost another five out of it because the cost another five out of it because the cost of getting all of that paid for and and of getting all of that paid for and and of getting all of that paid for and and taken care of today just seems like too taken care of today just seems like too taken care of today just seems like too much. much. much. But here's what you need to hear. But here's what you need to hear. But here's what you need to hear. The sinkhole is going to cost you either The sinkhole is going to cost you either The sinkhole is going to cost you either way. It's going to cost you either way. As It's going to cost you either way. As long as you keep trying to fix it long as you keep trying to fix it long as you keep trying to fix it yourself, yourself, yourself, it will continue to grow and every it will continue to grow and every it will continue to grow and every sinkhole that is not addressed will sinkhole that is not addressed will sinkhole that is not addressed will eventually collapse.

If you convince yourself that you're If you convince yourself that you're going to walk out of here today and just going to walk out of here today and just going to walk out of here today and just hope it holds, you're just delaying the hope it holds, you're just delaying the hope it holds, you're just delaying the inevitable, inevitable, inevitable, that sinkhole is going to cost you no that sinkhole is going to cost you no that sinkhole is going to cost you no matter what. matter what. matter what. And I promise you, when it collapses, And I promise you, when it collapses, And I promise you, when it collapses, the cost of rebuilding after the the cost of rebuilding after the the cost of rebuilding after the collapse will be so much greater than collapse will be so much greater than collapse will be so much greater than the cost of just getting it repaired the cost of just getting it repaired the cost of just getting it repaired right now. right now. right now. Jesus brilliantly said it like this in Jesus brilliantly said it like this in Jesus brilliantly said it like this in Matthew chapter 16. Whoever wants to Matthew chapter 16. Whoever wants to Matthew chapter 16. Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, save their life will lose it, save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will but whoever loses their life for me will but whoever loses their life for me will find it. find it. find it. What good will it be for someone to gain What good will it be for someone to gain What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world the whole world the whole world and yet forfeit their soul? What good is it to have a beautiful life What good is it to have a beautiful life built on a sinkhole? So, if it's going to cost you either So, if it's going to cost you either way, way, way, then which cost do you want to pay? If it's going to cost you either way, If it's going to cost you either way, which cost do you want to pay? And I which cost do you want to pay? And I which cost do you want to pay? And I want to give us an opportunity to just want to give us an opportunity to just want to give us an opportunity to just be able to have a moment to do something be able to have a moment to do something be able to have a moment to do something with that question right now. But before with that question right now. But before with that question right now. But before I do, I just want to make a couple of I do, I just want to make a couple of I do, I just want to make a couple of things really clear.

things really clear. things really clear. Number one, Number one, Number one, knowing that you have a sinkhole knowing that you have a sinkhole knowing that you have a sinkhole is not the same as fixing the sinkhole. Number two, wanting to fix the sinkhole Number two, wanting to fix the sinkhole is not the same as fixing the sinkhole. What you need to know is that if you're What you need to know is that if you're going to fix the sinkhole, you're going going to fix the sinkhole, you're going going to fix the sinkhole, you're going to have to pay the cost to get help. to have to pay the cost to get help. to have to pay the cost to get help. you're going to have to do something you're going to have to do something you're going to have to do something that cost you. And to be honest with that cost you. And to be honest with that cost you. And to be honest with you, that was a really hard thing for me you, that was a really hard thing for me you, that was a really hard thing for me to digest after my dad died. I didn't want to do things that cost me, I didn't want to do things that cost me, but I also really wanted to fix the but I also really wanted to fix the but I also really wanted to fix the problem. And so I had to step into some problem. And so I had to step into some problem. And so I had to step into some things that I otherwise would not have things that I otherwise would not have things that I otherwise would not have done that were really costly. done that were really costly. done that were really costly. I'll tell you the first thing that I did I'll tell you the first thing that I did I'll tell you the first thing that I did was I started going to see a really was I started going to see a really was I started going to see a really great Christian counselor. great Christian counselor. great Christian counselor. And that cost me And that cost me And that cost me uh first it cost me to have to admit to uh first it cost me to have to admit to uh first it cost me to have to admit to myself that I was the kind of person myself that I was the kind of person myself that I was the kind of person that needed counseling.

that needed counseling. that needed counseling. I had taken a lot of pride in being able I had taken a lot of pride in being able I had taken a lot of pride in being able to fix things myself. to fix things myself. to fix things myself. It cost me to have to look another It cost me to have to look another It cost me to have to look another person in the eye and say things out person in the eye and say things out person in the eye and say things out loud to them that I had only ever loud to them that I had only ever loud to them that I had only ever thought about in my head. thought about in my head. thought about in my head. And quite literally showing up and And quite literally showing up and And quite literally showing up and spending an hour cost me a lot of time spending an hour cost me a lot of time spending an hour cost me a lot of time and a lot of money. and a lot of money. and a lot of money. It cost me. It cost me. It cost me. The second thing I did, I knew that I The second thing I did, I knew that I The second thing I did, I knew that I was was was prone to want to perform just like my prone to want to perform just like my prone to want to perform just like my dad. And so I got a couple of guys in my dad. And so I got a couple of guys in my dad. And so I got a couple of guys in my life that I I didn't feel the need to life that I I didn't feel the need to life that I I didn't feel the need to impress. And I started practicing impress. And I started practicing impress. And I started practicing confession with them every other week. confession with them every other week. confession with them every other week. And um as a person who's prone to And um as a person who's prone to And um as a person who's prone to perform, perform, perform, confession is the antithesis of confession is the antithesis of confession is the antithesis of performing. I had to practice every performing. I had to practice every performing. I had to practice every other week looking two men that I loved other week looking two men that I loved other week looking two men that I loved in the eye and rehearsing to them the in the eye and rehearsing to them the in the eye and rehearsing to them the parts of myself that I wanted to keep parts of myself that I wanted to keep parts of myself that I wanted to keep hidden from everybody. Another thing that I did, I started Another thing that I did, I started practicing silence and solitude.

All I wanted to do was stay busy. I All I wanted to do was stay busy. I didn't want to feel anything. I I wanted didn't want to feel anything. I I wanted didn't want to feel anything. I I wanted to there were some things that I knew to there were some things that I knew to there were some things that I knew were deep down inside of me, some were deep down inside of me, some were deep down inside of me, some questions that I was wondering, some questions that I was wondering, some questions that I was wondering, some fears that I had, some anger that I had fears that I had, some anger that I had fears that I had, some anger that I had toward God that I was afraid to face and toward God that I was afraid to face and toward God that I was afraid to face and to feel. And so all I wanted to do was to feel. And so all I wanted to do was to feel. And so all I wanted to do was run away from them and stay busy. And run away from them and stay busy. And run away from them and stay busy. And what silence and solitude forced me to what silence and solitude forced me to what silence and solitude forced me to do was to sit and feel all of those do was to sit and feel all of those do was to sit and feel all of those things with God. things with God. things with God. And feeling all of that, And feeling all of that, And feeling all of that, that cost me. that cost me. that cost me. And you know what the worst part of all And you know what the worst part of all And you know what the worst part of all of those were? None of them fixed the of those were? None of them fixed the of those were? None of them fixed the problem. problem. problem. Not a one. Counseling did not fix the Not a one. Counseling did not fix the Not a one. Counseling did not fix the problem. Confession did not fix the problem. Confession did not fix the problem. Confession did not fix the problem. Silence and solitude did not problem. Silence and solitude did not problem. Silence and solitude did not fix the problem. I did them for a long fix the problem. I did them for a long fix the problem. I did them for a long time and they did not fix the problem. time and they did not fix the problem. time and they did not fix the problem. But you know what they did? But you know what they did? But you know what they did? They weakened my propensity to try and They weakened my propensity to try and They weakened my propensity to try and fix things myself. fix things myself. fix things myself. And they strengthened my ability to ask And they strengthened my ability to ask And they strengthened my ability to ask for help. for help. for help. None of those things fixed the problem, None of those things fixed the problem, None of those things fixed the problem, but they taught me the thing that I but they taught me the thing that I but they taught me the thing that I needed that would ultimately lead to the needed that would ultimately lead to the needed that would ultimately lead to the problem being fixed. I needed to learn problem being fixed. I needed to learn problem being fixed. I needed to learn how to ask for help from the only one how to ask for help from the only one how to ask for help from the only one who could actually give it.

who could actually give it. who could actually give it. That's what all of those things did. That's what all of those things did. That's what all of those things did. Now, what's true for all of us is that Now, what's true for all of us is that Now, what's true for all of us is that we're on our own journey when it comes we're on our own journey when it comes we're on our own journey when it comes to our life with God. And what it would to our life with God. And what it would to our life with God. And what it would look like for you to address the look like for you to address the look like for you to address the sinkhole in your heart may not look the sinkhole in your heart may not look the sinkhole in your heart may not look the same as how it looked for me. But I can same as how it looked for me. But I can same as how it looked for me. But I can tell you one thing that's going to be tell you one thing that's going to be tell you one thing that's going to be the same. the same. the same. You're not going to be able to fix it You're not going to be able to fix it You're not going to be able to fix it yourself. yourself. yourself. You're going to have to ask for help. You're going to have to ask for help. You're going to have to ask for help. And you're going to have to pay what it And you're going to have to pay what it And you're going to have to pay what it costs to ask for help. costs to ask for help. costs to ask for help. So, I want to give you the opportunity So, I want to give you the opportunity So, I want to give you the opportunity to do that right now. to do that right now. to do that right now. I'm just going to warn you ahead of I'm just going to warn you ahead of I'm just going to warn you ahead of time. time. time. In a moment, not yet. In a moment, not yet. In a moment, not yet. In a moment, I'm going to invite anyone In a moment, I'm going to invite anyone In a moment, I'm going to invite anyone who has a sinkhole in their heart that who has a sinkhole in their heart that who has a sinkhole in their heart that they are ready to ask for help and to they are ready to ask for help and to they are ready to ask for help and to pay the cost of getting it fixed. pay the cost of getting it fixed. pay the cost of getting it fixed. I want to invite those people to stand I want to invite those people to stand I want to invite those people to stand up. up. up. Not yet, but in a moment, I just want to Not yet, but in a moment, I just want to Not yet, but in a moment, I just want to give you a fair warning. I want to give give you a fair warning. I want to give give you a fair warning. I want to give you as long a runway to know it's coming you as long a runway to know it's coming you as long a runway to know it's coming as possible. I'm going to invite you to as possible. I'm going to invite you to as possible. I'm going to invite you to do that. And if you stand, here's what do that. And if you stand, here's what do that. And if you stand, here's what it means and here's what it doesn't it means and here's what it doesn't it means and here's what it doesn't mean.

mean. mean. What it does not mean is that you have What it does not mean is that you have What it does not mean is that you have it all figured out. it all figured out. it all figured out. It doesn't mean that you've got a game It doesn't mean that you've got a game It doesn't mean that you've got a game plan for what you need to do to fix plan for what you need to do to fix plan for what you need to do to fix this. It doesn't mean that you even know this. It doesn't mean that you even know this. It doesn't mean that you even know all the way what it will cost you to fix all the way what it will cost you to fix all the way what it will cost you to fix this. this. this. But what it does mean is that you're But what it does mean is that you're But what it does mean is that you're ready to stop trying to fix it yourself ready to stop trying to fix it yourself ready to stop trying to fix it yourself and you're ready to pay whatever it and you're ready to pay whatever it and you're ready to pay whatever it costs to ask for help. costs to ask for help. costs to ask for help. That's it. That's it. That's it. And by the way, I just want you to know And by the way, I just want you to know And by the way, I just want you to know it's going to cost you something to it's going to cost you something to it's going to cost you something to stand up. It's going to cost you something to It's going to cost you something to stand up. It might cost you your pride. stand up. It might cost you your pride. stand up. It might cost you your pride. It might actually cost you what the It might actually cost you what the It might actually cost you what the person sitting next to you thinks about person sitting next to you thinks about person sitting next to you thinks about you. you. you. It may cost you a really awkward It may cost you a really awkward It may cost you a really awkward conversation in the car ride home. And to be honest, I've been thinking And to be honest, I've been thinking about this a lot this week. about this a lot this week. about this a lot this week. I think if Solomon were sitting in the I think if Solomon were sitting in the I think if Solomon were sitting in the room, he would be nodding along and he would he would be nodding along and he would agree. And I think he might even feel agree. And I think he might even feel agree. And I think he might even feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit to the conviction of the Holy Spirit to the conviction of the Holy Spirit to stand up and he would justify staying in stand up and he would justify staying in stand up and he would justify staying in his seat.

his seat. his seat. Not because he was evil, Not because he was evil, Not because he was evil, but because he knew it would cost him. I think if my dad were in the room, I think if my dad were in the room, he would nod along. he would nod along. he would nod along. He would agree. He would agree. He would agree. He would feel convicted, and he would He would feel convicted, and he would He would feel convicted, and he would stay seated. Again, I don't think either of them were Again, I don't think either of them were evil, horrible, bad people. I just think evil, horrible, bad people. I just think evil, horrible, bad people. I just think they were unwilling to pay the cost. But they were unwilling to pay the cost. But they were unwilling to pay the cost. But I would argue that the cost that they I would argue that the cost that they I would argue that the cost that they ended up paying was so much greater than ended up paying was so much greater than ended up paying was so much greater than what it would have just cost them to what it would have just cost them to what it would have just cost them to stand up and have it be dealt with. My ask of you is that you would learn My ask of you is that you would learn from Solomon's story, that you would from Solomon's story, that you would from Solomon's story, that you would learn from my dad's story, learn from my dad's story, learn from my dad's story, and that that wouldn't become your and that that wouldn't become your and that that wouldn't become your story. After all, what good is a beautiful life built on a what good is a beautiful life built on a sinkhole? The best news is that Jesus already The best news is that Jesus already knows what's under there. He's not knows what's under there. He's not knows what's under there. He's not surprised by it. And he's not waiting surprised by it. And he's not waiting surprised by it. And he's not waiting for you to clean it up. He's just for you to clean it up. He's just for you to clean it up. He's just waiting for you to ask for his help.

waiting for you to ask for his help. waiting for you to ask for his help. Just ask for his help. And so if you're Just ask for his help. And so if you're Just ask for his help. And so if you're ready to do that right now here at ready to do that right now here at ready to do that right now here at Lawrenville and all across the campuses, Lawrenville and all across the campuses, Lawrenville and all across the campuses, I want to invite you to stand. And if I want to invite you to stand. And if I want to invite you to stand. And if you need to take a minute to count the you need to take a minute to count the you need to take a minute to count the cost, that's okay. I think it's worth cost, that's okay. I think it's worth cost, that's okay. I think it's worth it. But right now, wherever you're at, it. But right now, wherever you're at, it. But right now, wherever you're at, you can just start to stand up at your you can just start to stand up at your you can just start to stand up at your seat saying, "Hey, I know I got a seat saying, "Hey, I know I got a seat saying, "Hey, I know I got a sinkhole in my heart. I don't know all sinkhole in my heart. I don't know all sinkhole in my heart. I don't know all of what that means, but I'm ready to of what that means, but I'm ready to of what that means, but I'm ready to stop trying to fix it myself and I'm stop trying to fix it myself and I'm stop trying to fix it myself and I'm ready to ask for help from the only ready to ask for help from the only ready to ask for help from the only person who could actually give that person who could actually give that person who could actually give that help. You can just keep standing. And in help. You can just keep standing. And in help. You can just keep standing. And in a minute, I want to pray for all of us a minute, I want to pray for all of us a minute, I want to pray for all of us who are standing. There's multiple who are standing. There's multiple who are standing. There's multiple points in my life where I would have points in my life where I would have points in my life where I would have been standing up in this room. I pray been standing up in this room. I pray been standing up in this room. I pray that my dad and Solomon would have had that my dad and Solomon would have had that my dad and Solomon would have had moments like this where they could have moments like this where they could have moments like this where they could have been invited to stand, too. Again, if been invited to stand, too. Again, if been invited to stand, too. Again, if you're sitting in your seat and you're you're sitting in your seat and you're you're sitting in your seat and you're counting the cost, that's okay. You counting the cost, that's okay. You counting the cost, that's okay. You stand up whenever you're ready. But for stand up whenever you're ready. But for stand up whenever you're ready. But for those of us who are standing, I want to those of us who are standing, I want to those of us who are standing, I want to have a moment where we can pray. And have a moment where we can pray. And have a moment where we can pray. And this isn't like a way to transition at this isn't like a way to transition at this isn't like a way to transition at the end of the teaching. This isn't the end of the teaching. This isn't the end of the teaching. This isn't something that we just do as like the something that we just do as like the something that we just do as like the start and the beginning of the service. start and the beginning of the service. start and the beginning of the service. What this is is a moment where we can What this is is a moment where we can What this is is a moment where we can encounter almighty God encounter almighty God encounter almighty God >> who is the only one who can actually fix >> who is the only one who can actually fix >> who is the only one who can actually fix the thing that is broken in our heart.

the thing that is broken in our heart. the thing that is broken in our heart. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> And so if you're standing, whether >> And so if you're standing, whether >> And so if you're standing, whether you're in the room with me or you're you're in the room with me or you're you're in the room with me or you're across the campuses, I want you to just across the campuses, I want you to just across the campuses, I want you to just open your hands like this. It's not a small thing. This is the It's not a small thing. This is the opposite of trying to fix it yourself. opposite of trying to fix it yourself. opposite of trying to fix it yourself. You cannot fix stuff like this, You cannot fix stuff like this, You cannot fix stuff like this, but you can ask for help like this. but you can ask for help like this. but you can ask for help like this. And I want to have a moment where we can And I want to have a moment where we can And I want to have a moment where we can pray together. And I pray that this pray together. And I pray that this pray together. And I pray that this would be a clear BC A moment for you, a would be a clear BC A moment for you, a would be a clear BC A moment for you, a clear marking moment for you where clear marking moment for you where clear marking moment for you where things are different on the other side things are different on the other side things are different on the other side of you paying the cost to ask for help of you paying the cost to ask for help of you paying the cost to ask for help right now in this moment. So, Father, right now in this moment. So, Father, right now in this moment. So, Father, thank you for the courage for every thank you for the courage for every thank you for the courage for every person that is currently standing. person that is currently standing. person that is currently standing. I pray that you would see that, that you I pray that you would see that, that you I pray that you would see that, that you would honor that. And I pray before we would honor that. And I pray before we would honor that. And I pray before we do anything else that you would just do anything else that you would just do anything else that you would just whisper to them how proud of them you whisper to them how proud of them you whisper to them how proud of them you are. are. are. I'm proud of you. I'm proud of you. I'm proud of you. Thank you. I've been waiting for this.

Spirit of God, would you do the thing Spirit of God, would you do the thing that only you could do? And would you that only you could do? And would you that only you could do? And would you heal every single sinkhole in every heal every single sinkhole in every heal every single sinkhole in every human heart of a person that's standing human heart of a person that's standing human heart of a person that's standing up? If there's wounds that are years up? If there's wounds that are years up? If there's wounds that are years old, if there's a void that's been old, if there's a void that's been old, if there's a void that's been growing for years and years and years, growing for years and years and years, growing for years and years and years, Lord, the good news is that it's Lord, the good news is that it's Lord, the good news is that it's fixable. It's fixable. We can't fix it fixable. It's fixable. We can't fix it fixable. It's fixable. We can't fix it ourselves. And that's why we're coming ourselves. And that's why we're coming ourselves. And that's why we're coming to you and saying, "God, would you do to you and saying, "God, would you do to you and saying, "God, would you do for me what I could never do for myself, for me what I could never do for myself, for me what I could never do for myself, and would you make me whole again?" and would you make me whole again?" and would you make me whole again?" And I pray that today, starting right And I pray that today, starting right And I pray that today, starting right now, everyone who is standing and asking now, everyone who is standing and asking now, everyone who is standing and asking for your help would get to experience for your help would get to experience for your help would get to experience your promise. That those who seek find. your promise. That those who seek find. your promise. That those who seek find. That those who knock, the door will be That those who knock, the door will be That those who knock, the door will be open. God, would you do for them beyond open. God, would you do for them beyond open. God, would you do for them beyond what they could even ask or imagine that what they could even ask or imagine that what they could even ask or imagine that you might do for them. And would you do you might do for them. And would you do you might do for them. And would you do it not like 20 years from now, not it not like 20 years from now, not it not like 20 years from now, not distant future, would you begin the work distant future, would you begin the work distant future, would you begin the work today? It's in Jesus name I pray. Amen.